Meet Yvonne VanDyke, MSN, RN, adjunct professor in the RN-to-BSN Program at Austin Community College, an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
For VanDyke, nursing has never been just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in service, leadership and the power of education. Throughout her distinguished career, she has seamlessly blended her work as a nurse educator and healthcare executive with a deep commitment to community service.
With decades of experience in nursing education and administration, VanDyke has held a wide range of influential roles. She has served as a nursing faculty member, department chair, dean, clinical director, vice president and system chief nursing officer. Each position reflects her belief that leadership is not just a skill but a responsibility inherent to the nursing profession.
"My journey in nursing has been guided by purpose and people. It's a privilege to teach, lead and serve,” VanDyke said. “I believe that when you've been given much, you're called to give back even more."
Her dedication to civic engagement has earned her widespread recognition. In 2019, she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, an honor that acknowledges her leadership and volunteerism.
For more than 35 years, VanDyke has also been an active member and leader within the Austin Chapter of The Links, Incorporated—one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations for women. Her involvement in this organization is just one example of her commitment to service and mentorship.
A proud alumna of the 2016 cohort of the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nursing Fellowship, Yvonne continues to engage with the broader nursing community through her memberships in the American Nurses Association and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
VanDyke’s legacy is one of impact, vision and dedication—a testament to how leadership in nursing can extend far beyond the walls of the hospital or classroom and into the heart of the community.
From her nomination:
“She exemplifies the power and purpose of nursing by honoring the call to serve—both professionally and personally. Yvonne has been a steady and inspiring presence in my life, mentoring me with a gentle yet firm hand. She has helped shape my critical thinking skills, modeling how to lead with both grace and compassion. She has consistently created space for me to grow, learn, and even make mistakes, always offering encouragement and guidance along the way. Yvonne is a leader in every sense of the word, and her unwavering dedication to the field of nursing has left a lasting impact on the City of Austin. Her legacy is one of service, strength and heart.”